Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Japan’s First National Museum Dedicated to the Indigenous Ainu People

Nestled along the peaceful shores of Lake Poroto, Upopoy—meaning “singing in a large group” in the Ainu language—is a vibrant center celebrating the revival of Ainu culture. This unique destination offers visitors a chance to learn about the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and experience their history and traditions up close.

The National Ainu Museum showcases the Ainu’s rich heritage, while the National Ainu Park lets you walk through traditional Ainu houses (chise) in a recreated village (kotan), giving a glimpse of life in the past. Listen closely to the gentle sounds of the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five-stringed zither) as they fill the air.

At the experience hall, watch the energetic performances of Ainu traditional dances, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You can also observe wood carving, embroidery, and other crafts, and even try your hand at them. In the park’s cafés and food corners, taste dishes inspired by Ainu food traditions, made from local ingredients.

With scenic Lake Poroto all around, Upopoy is the perfect place for families and travelers to immerse themselves in Ainu culture, enjoy hands-on experiences, and connect with Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

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General Information

Postal code: 〒059-0902　
Address: 北海道白老郡白老町若草町2丁目3-1
Telephone Number: 0144-82-3914
Open: 9:00-17:00 (Depends on the season)
Closed: Mondays, New Year holidays, early March
Prices: Paid
Car Park: 246 spaces, charged
Directions: ●On foot: About 10 minutes from JR Shiraoi Station
●By car: About 10 minutes from Hokkaido Expwy Shiraoi IC
Website: Official site

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

Area Guide "Central Hokkaido": https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/douou

A Tour Through Japan’s Northern Frontier: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/northern_frontier

Enjoy the pleasant weather! Hokkaido Autumn Travel Guide!: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/travelguide_autumn

Experience how luxury travel has evolved to make Niseko a world class destination: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/experience-how-luxury-travel-has-evolved-to-make-niseko-a-world-class-destination

Explore Hokkaido’s dynamic South: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/explore-hokkaidos-dynamic-south

This attraction on sample itineraries

[New Chitose Airport IN & OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Indigo Dyeing Experience, Ainu Culture, Local Gourmet, and Muroran Night Cruise! A Trip Around Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_26.html

[New Chitose Airport IN & OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Experience Ainu Culture at Upopoy, Hot Spring Tour in Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and Niseko! Recommended Course for First-Time Visitors to Hokkaido: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spa/plan/detail_55.html

[Oarai Port IN & OUT / 4 Nights 5 Days] Ferry to Tomakomai! Historical and Cultural Spots, Famous Hot Springs, and Ballpark Too! A Winter Trip Around Southern Hokkaido: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_75.html

[Hakodate Airport IN → New Chitose Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] From Seikan Ferry Memorial Museum to Ainu Culture Museum and Beer Museum! A Museum Tour of Hokkaido: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_81.html

[New Chitose Airport IN & OUT / 3 Nights 4 Days] Lake Toya, Upopoy, and Dolphin Watching! A Trip to Enjoy Surrounding Sights Based at Noboribetsu Karurusu Onsen: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_83.html